Typically, Marcus Freeman tells the players of Notre Dame on defense to be loose and carefree and not to get caught up in technical detail.

Freeman, however, senses an exception as No. Notre Dame (12-1) is preparing to kickoff against No. Navy (6-0), 24 on Saturday at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.

Freeman says that technical details are crucial to stopping Navy's Triple-Option Offense, so it is possible to play "fitball" instead of "football".

The undefeated Midshipmen average 44.8 points per match, which is good for fourth place in the country. Only Indiana (48.7 points per game), Miami (48.1) and Boise State (46.6) have higher-powered offensives than this year.

Freeman stated, "I'm not going to play 'fitball' defensely. You've got discipline." It's hard to simulate the speed of their offense in practice. It can take some time for players who are not familiar with this type of offense to understand the speed in which it is run.

"Then, suddenly, when you are trying to adjust the speed, your eyes can be lost -- keep your eyes on your task. We must be disciplined. We must practice until we are perfect, but we have to be aware that Saturday will take some time to get up to speed.

Navy Coach Brian Newberry stated that his team could do even better. The Midshipmen want to make it their first 7-0 record since 1978.

Newberry stated, "I do not think we have reached our peak yet." Newberry said, "I don’t think we've even come close to reaching our ceiling."

Fighting Irish average 34.6 points per match.

Riley Leonard is Notre Dame's leading passer with 1,182 yards passing, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also leads the team in rushing with 456 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jeremiyah love is Notre Dame's No. With 462 rushing yard and seven touchdowns, Jeremiyah Love is the No.

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath, on the other hand, has rushed 621 yards for 10 scores and passed 888 yards with 10 touchdowns. Alex Tecza is second in rushing, with 306 yards. He also has seven touchdowns.

Freeman stated that Notre Dame's linebacker Jack Kiser is a calming influence on the rest of his defense. Kiser, a Senior, is second in the team for tackles with 34.

Freeman described him as a "problem solver" when he was out in public. Freeman said that his ability to communicate with others and have them lined up is incredible.

"My challenge to Jack. I keep reminding Jack that he will be gone in two games. This is it. You've now got to challenge the room to step forward. You can't make every call and check. "Your job is to make the room better than when you first entered it."

Navy's defensive unit is led by Dashaun Peele, who has three interceptions and a team-high four sacks. Colin Ramos leads the team with 68 tackles.

The 97th meeting between these two programs will take place on Saturday. Notre Dame has won six of the last seven matchups and leads the series 82-13-1.

Field Level Media

(source: Reuters)